We have witnessed hundreds of speakers both present more clearly and feel more confident when they follow the preceding guidelines. Good speakers all have similar traits. They draw a connection between their scientific work and the work of the audience. They introduce concepts and definitions before focusing on the more detailed aspects of the talk. Like effective teachers, good speakers logically present the data, and the thoughts behind the data, so that the audience learns the entire scientific process. Good speakers have a main theme, which is followed throughout the presentation and is encapsulated in a brief and memorable statement near the end. They use images to help the audience visualize data, yet they know that the pictures must always remain secondary to clear description. They share future plans and finish the presentation on a strong note. Good speakers do all of theabove while sharing their ideas with enthusiasm.

But there is a caveat to the techniques described in this book: They need not be followed all at once.